A little-known virus that can be fatal in young babies has prompted Queensland scientists to undertake urgent medical research.

Parechovirus was first reported in Australia in December last year and there have now been dozens of cases across the country.

There have been 11 confirmed cases of babies in Queensland with the infection.

It usually causes fever, rash and diarrhoea, but in severe cases can develop into hepatitis or encephalitis.

There is no specific treatment for the virus.

Researchers at the Queensland Paediatric Infectious Diseases (QPID) laboratory have developed a detection test for parechovirus and have now turned their attention to finding a treatment or preventative vaccine.

QPID Associate Professor Michael Nissen says once parechovirus is diagnosed, doctors can stop antibiotics or other treatments that may cause problems.

"Diagnosing the parechovirus infection quickly is important to reassure everyone that, with appropriate clinical support through this period of time, the patient should recover fully," he said in a statement.

Parechovirus infections in Sydney, Bundaberg and beyond

QPID researcher Professor Theo Sloots says there was an outbreak of parechovirus infection in Sydney late last year.

"The first case in Queensland [was] reported in Bundaberg," he said in a statement.

"The outbreak is Australia-wide now, and we believe there are at least four types of the virus and we don't know what type is in Queensland compared to other states."

Dr Leisha Callaghan from Brisbane's Royal Children's Hospital says there have already been outbreaks at two major Brisbane hospitals.

"Viruses overall are generally often milder infections than bacterial infections, but this one can be pretty nasty," she said.

Dr Callaghan says paediatricians are hoping a vaccine can be developed.

"But certainly when little babies contract the virus they are very sick when they present.

"They often have seizures - need to be in intensive care.

"There's the risk of death and certainly long-term morbidity, with the possibility of significant brain damage."

Professor Sloots says a lot of children may remain undiagnosed.

"Particularly in regional areas, as such specialised testing is generally not available through private pathologist providers," he said.

"Awareness and ongoing research is vital."

Health authorities say the parechovirus infection is usually spread from person-to-person through contact with respiratory droplets, saliva or faeces from an infected person, with young babies appearing to be more at risk.

Authorities say good hygiene is the best protection against the virus - wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, before eating, after wiping nose, and after changing nappies or soiled clothing.